Proverbs 26:6

KJV

¶ He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, [and] drinketh damage.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that sendeth {H7971} a message {H1697} by the hand {H3027} of a fool {H3684} cutteth off {H7096} the feet {H7272}, and drinketh {H8354} damage {H2555}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Telling a message to a fool and sending him out is like cutting off one's feet and drinking violence.

Berean Standard Bible

Like cutting off one’s own feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.

American Standard Version

He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool Cutteth off his own feet, and drinketh in damage.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 26:6 delivers a potent warning about the self-destructive consequences of entrusting significant responsibilities or messages to an unreliable and unwise individual. The proverb employs vivid imagery to illustrate that such a delegation is akin to deliberately crippling one's own efforts and inviting personal harm, underscoring the critical importance of discernment in choosing those to whom one delegates.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 26 is a collection of sayings primarily focused on the nature and dangers of "fools" (Hebrew: `kᵉçîyl`, `ʾĕwîl`, `nābāl`) and sluggards, contrasting their characteristics and outcomes with those of the wise. This particular verse, along with others like [Proverbs 26:1](/proverbs/26-1 "Proverbs 26:1 - Honor is not fitting for a fool") and [Proverbs 26:3](/proverbs/26-3 "Proverbs 26:3 - A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool's back"), contributes to a sustained critique of folly. It fits within the broader structure of Proverbs as practical wisdom for navigating relationships and making prudent decisions, often using striking metaphors to convey its truths. The immediate context of the chapter emphasizes the futility and peril of engaging with or relying upon those who lack discernment and integrity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, messengers played a crucial role in communication, especially over distances. Messages, whether diplomatic, commercial, or personal, were often conveyed orally or via written scrolls carried by trusted individuals. The swiftness, accuracy, and integrity of the messenger were paramount, as their failure could lead to misunderstanding, loss, or even conflict. A "fool" (kᵉçîyl) in this context is not merely unintelligent but one who is morally deficient, obstinate, and resistant to wisdom, making them inherently untrustworthy for such vital tasks. The imagery of "cutting off the feet" and "drinking damage" would have resonated deeply in a culture where physical movement was essential for commerce and survival, and where personal reputation and well-being were directly tied to one's choices and associations.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive in the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the **consequences of poor judgment and delegation**, asserting that entrusting important tasks to an incompetent or untrustworthy person inevitably leads to failure and harm, directly impacting the sender. Secondly, it sheds light on the **nature of folly**, implying that a "fool" is someone who cannot be relied upon for matters requiring discretion, responsibility, or understanding, a concept further explored in passages like [Proverbs 10:23](/proverbs/10-23 "Proverbs 10:23 - The folly of a fool is like sport"). Lastly, the proverb emphasizes **self-inflicted harm**, vividly portraying that the negative outcomes are directly absorbed by the sender, who suffers the bitter repercussions of their own unwise choice, a principle also seen in warnings against laziness or sin, as in [Proverbs 13:15](/proverbs/13-15 "Proverbs 13:15 - The way of transgressors is hard").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fool (Hebrew, _kᵉçîyl'_):** This term (H3684) denotes someone who is not merely lacking in intelligence but is morally and spiritually obtuse, stubborn, and resistant to wisdom and instruction. Unlike the simpleton who is naive, the `kᵉçîyl` actively chooses folly and rejects prudent counsel, making them inherently unreliable and dangerous for any task requiring discernment or integrity.
* **Cutteth off (Hebrew, _qâtsâh'_):** From the root H7096, meaning "to cut off" or "to destroy." In this context, it signifies a severe, deliberate act of severing or disabling. Applied to "the feet," it implies rendering something useless, hindering progress, or completely incapacitating the means of movement or advancement.
* **Damage (Hebrew, _châmâç'_):** This word (H2555) refers to violence, wrong, injustice, or unjust gain. Here, it implies the harmful, injurious, or destructive consequences that result from the unwise action. The "damage" is not merely inconvenience but a significant, often painful, detriment or loss experienced by the sender.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool":** This clause establishes the unwise action. The "message" (`dâbâr`, H1697) signifies something of importance, a "word" or "matter" that requires careful handling. To send it "by the hand" (`yâd`, H3027) of a "fool" (`kᵉçîyl`, H3684) means to delegate a crucial task to someone utterly unqualified, untrustworthy, or incapable of executing it properly due to their inherent folly.
* **"cutteth off the feet":** This vivid metaphor describes the immediate and severe consequence for the sender. Just as cutting off one's own feet renders movement impossible, so entrusting a message to a fool cripples the sender's own efforts, progress, and ability to achieve their desired outcome. It signifies self-sabotage and the complete undermining of one's objectives.
* **"[and] drinketh damage":** This second metaphorical phrase reinforces the bitter, inescapable outcome. To "drink" (`shâthâh`, H8354) something implies full, unavoidable ingestion and experience. The "damage" (`châmâç`, H2555) is the harmful, injurious, or violent consequence that the sender must personally absorb. It emphasizes that the negative repercussions are not external or incidental but are fully experienced and borne by the one who made the foolish delegation.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 26:6 employs striking **Metaphor** and **Hyperbole** to convey its message. The act of "cutting off the feet" is a powerful metaphor for self-sabotage and rendering oneself immobile or ineffective, vividly illustrating the crippling effect of poor delegation. Similarly, "drinketh damage" is a metaphor for fully internalizing and suffering the painful consequences of one's unwise choices. The intensity of these images also leans into **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the negative outcome to underscore the severity of the warning and to make the proverb memorable and impactful. The verse also exhibits the characteristic **Parallelism** common in Proverbs, where two distinct but related images ("cutteth off the feet" and "drinketh damage") are used to express a single, unified truth about the consequences of folly.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb underscores a profound theological principle: choices have consequences, and wisdom in delegation is a form of responsible stewardship. It highlights God's established order where discernment leads to flourishing, and folly to ruin. The "fool" in Proverbs is not just intellectually deficient but morally and spiritually rebellious, rejecting God's wisdom. Therefore, entrusting vital matters to such a person is not merely a practical error but a spiritual misalignment, as it ignores the divine call to prudence and discernment. The "damage" incurred is a natural outcome of operating outside of God's wise principles, demonstrating that the consequences of folly are often self-inflicted and unavoidable.

* [Proverbs 15:22](/proverbs/15-22 "Proverbs 15:22 - The Importance of Wise Counsel")
* [Proverbs 28:26](/proverbs/28-26 "Proverbs 28:26 - Trusting in One's Own Heart")
* [1 Corinthians 12:28](/1_corinthians/12-28 "1 Corinthians 12:28 - God's Gifts and Appointments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 26:6 serves as a timeless cautionary tale for every sphere of life where trust and delegation are involved. It compels us to exercise profound discernment in choosing those to whom we entrust important tasks, sensitive information, or significant responsibilities. Whether in a professional setting, a church ministry, or even within personal relationships, the proverb warns that overlooking character, competence, or integrity in favor of convenience or misplaced loyalty will inevitably lead to detrimental outcomes. It challenges us to reflect on our own judgment in delegation, urging us to consider not only a person's willingness but also their wisdom, reliability, and moral character. The "damage" we drink is often the bitter fruit of our own unwise choices, reminding us that true wisdom involves foresight and a commitment to integrity in all our dealings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to delegate important tasks to individuals who may lack the necessary wisdom or integrity?**
* **What "feet" might I be "cutting off" or what "damage" might I be "drinking" by making unwise choices in delegation or partnership?**
* **How can I cultivate greater discernment and wisdom in choosing those I trust, both personally and professionally?**
* **What does this proverb teach me about the importance of personal responsibility for the outcomes of my decisions, even those involving others?**

### FAQ
**What does "cutteth off the feet" mean in this proverb?**

Answer: The phrase "cutteth off the feet" is a vivid metaphor for self-sabotage and rendering oneself utterly ineffective. Just as a person cannot move or make progress without their feet, entrusting a vital "message" or task to a "fool" (someone lacking wisdom, integrity, and reliability) completely undermines the sender's own efforts and objectives. It means that the sender, by their unwise choice of messenger, directly causes their own failure, hindering their ability to achieve their goals or advance their cause. It implies a crippling of one's own endeavors.

**Who is considered a "fool" in the Book of Proverbs?**

Answer: In the Book of Proverbs, a "fool" (Hebrew: `kᵉçîyl`, among other terms) is not merely someone who lacks intelligence or education. More profoundly, a fool is characterized by a moral and spiritual deficiency. They are individuals who reject wisdom, scorn instruction, are resistant to correction, and often act impulsively or stubbornly without regard for consequences or God's ways. They prefer their own foolishness to the path of righteousness and are often marked by pride, laziness, and a lack of self-control. This makes them unreliable and dangerous, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge") which states that "fools despise wisdom and instruction," and [Proverbs 17:12](/proverbs/17-12 "Proverbs 17:12 - Better to Meet a Bear than a Fool").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 26:6, with its stark warning against the folly of misplacing trust, finds its ultimate fulfillment and contrast in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb highlights the self-inflicted damage of delegating to a fool, Christ embodies perfect wisdom and reliability, making Him the only one truly worthy of all trust and delegation. Unlike the fool who "cutteth off the feet" and "drinketh damage" for the sender, Jesus, the very **Wisdom of God** ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), was perfectly sent by the Father to accomplish His divine message of salvation. He perfectly executed His mission, not crippling the Father's purpose, but fully establishing it. Furthermore, in an astonishing reversal of the proverb's imagery, Jesus did not cause damage for those who sent Him, but rather, He Himself "drank damage"—the cup of God's wrath and the full measure of human sin and suffering on the cross ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). He bore the ultimate "damage" and was "cut off" (Isaiah 53:8) not for His own folly, but for the folly and sin of humanity. By His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, He ensures that those who place their trust in Him will not "cut off their feet" but will find the path to eternal life and true flourishing, for He is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 25:13

¶ As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, [so is] a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

Proverbs 10:26

¶ As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so [is] the sluggard to them that send him.

Proverbs 13:17

¶ A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador [is] health.

Numbers 13:31

But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they [are] stronger than we.